Electric cigar lighter, universal power socket and accessory plug

ABSTRACT

A cigar lighter has a heating element and a movable knob biased by a spring. The heating element has a first electrical terminal in contact with a first contact element disposed around the perimeter of the heating element and a second centrally located terminal in contact with a centrally disposed fastener. A bimetal element is in contact with the second terminal of the heating element and has two engaging clips. A movable contact moves with the knob and has a first position wherein it does not engage the clips and the heating element is unenergized and a second position wherein it engages the clips to energize the heating element.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to electric cigar lighters, for example,for automotive vehicles, as well as a universal electrical power socket,for example, for vehicles, to allow electrically powered devices to bepowered from the universal electrical socket. The electrical socketfurthermore allows the electric cigar lighter of the present inventionto be employed therewith. Moreover, the invention relates to anaccessory electrical plug which can be employed with the universalelectrical socket.

Modern vehicles are increasingly being supplied in standard form withoutcigarette/cigar lighters in an effort to reduce the smoking habit.Furthermore, modern vehicles are increasingly being supplied withelectrical power sockets for powering modern electronic devices, forexample, chargers for electronic devices, computers, video players, andvarious other forms of electronic equipment.

In the past, when cigar lighters were standard equipment in vehicles,the lighter was plugged into a vehicle electrical socket. The electricalsocket typically included a bimetallic element which the cigar lighter,when inserted, engaged to energize the lighter, and which deenergizedthe cigar lighter when it reached operating temperature. By placing thebimetallic element in the socket, the lighter could be made simpler,essentially comprising a knob, heating element and spring with necessaryelectrical and thermal insulating elements.

Now that vehicles are not being supplied with lighters as standardequipment, the electrical sockets in the vehicles no longer comeequipped with the bimetallic disengaging elements. Accordingly, thebimetallic elements have been moved to the lighter unit itself. See forexample U.S. Pat. No. 6,740,850 to Mattis and European PatentApplication No. 09004224.3.

These designs, however, suffer from disadvantages relating to achievingadequate electrical contact at the high currents involved and relatingto providing adequate thermal protection of the knob and adequate heattransfer to the bimetallic element to enable reliable operation.

Furthermore, because the bimetallic element is no longer located in thesocket, it is desirable to provide an improved electrical socket whichprovides improved electrical contact for powering both lighters as wellas portable electric/electronic equipment but yet which still allows theprior art plugs employed with prior art sockets to be used.

Furthermore, it is desirable to provide an improved accessory electricalplug which can be plugged into the socket to power electrical/electronicdevices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention addresses the above problems.

According to one aspect, the invention comprises a cigar lighter adaptedto be received in an electrical socket for energizing a heating elementof the cigar lighter comprising an electrically conductive body shelladapted to make electrical and mechanical contact with a sleeve of thesocket; a user actuatable knob received in the body shell for telescopicmovement therein against the bias of a compression spring; an electricalheating element disposed at a distal end of the body shell, theelectrical heating element having a first electrical terminal inelectrical contact with a first electrical contact element disposedaround the perimeter of the electrical heating element and adapted tomake electrical contact with a first electrical contact of theelectrical socket; the electrical heating element having a secondelectrical terminal substantially centrally located with respect to thebody shell, the second electrical terminal in electrical contact with acentrally disposed fastener; a first bimetal element held in position bythe fastener electrically insulated from the body shell and being inelectrical communication with the second terminal of the heatingelement, the bimetal element including at least two proximally extendingengaging clips; a movable electrical contact arranged for movement withthe user actuatable knob, the movable electrical contact being inelectrical communication with the body shell, the movable electricalcontact having first and second positions whereby, in a first position,when the knob extends proximally, the movable electrical contact is notin electrical engagement with the bimetal engaging clips so that theheating element is not energized and wherein, in a second position, whenthe knob is moved distally, the movable electrical contact engages withand is held in position by said bimetal engaging clips to energize theheating element with electrical power until a first predeterminedtemperature is reached at which said bimetal clips flex to release saidmovable electrical contact from said bimetal engaging clips tode-energize said heating element and allowing said knob to moveproximally due to the bias of said spring.

According to another aspect, the invention comprises an electricalsocket for powering an electrical/electronic accessory device having anelectrical plug that is received in the socket, comprising anelectrically conductive socket well for slidably receiving theelectrical plug of the electrical/electronic device; an electricalconnector portion disposed distally on the socket well and comprising aninsulator fastened to the socket well at a distal end thereof and havingat least two electrical terminals for connecting to a vehicle electricalpower source; a plurality of first electrical contacts disposed at adistal end of said socket well and extending radially and proximallyfrom the center of said well and being electrically connected to a firstof said electrical terminals of said electrical connector portion; asecond of said electrical terminals of said electrical connector portionbeing electrically connected to said socket well; and said plurality offirst electrical contacts being adapted to electrically slidably engagewith an inner periphery of a hollow cylindrical electrical contact ofsaid electrical plug.

According to yet another aspect, the invention comprises an electricalaccessory plug comprising a plug body having a housing including atleast one spring loaded radially directed electrical contact forslidably electrically engaging with an electrically conductive well ofan electrical socket; and a distally disposed contact insulated fromsaid housing and comprising an electrically conductive cylinder adaptedto make sliding contact on an inner peripheral surface thereof with aradially directed contact disposed in insulated fashion in the well ofsaid electrical socket.

According to another aspect, the invention comprises a heating assemblyfor a cigar lighter comprising a cylindrical body having an electricalheating element having a first electrical terminal in electrical contactwith the cylindrical body, the cylindrical body being disposed aroundthe perimeter of the electrical heating element and adapted to makeelectrical contact with a first electrical contact of an electricalsocket; the electrical heating element having a second electricalterminal substantially centrally located with respect to the cylindricalbody, the second electrical terminal in electrical contact with acentrally disposed fastener; further wherein the heating element is inthe shape of a spiral having the first electrical terminal disposed onthe outside of said spiral, said first electrical terminal beingreceived through a slot in said cylindrical body thereby electricallyengaging with said cylindrical body, the second electrical terminalbeing disposed at the inside of said spiral and being in electricalengagement with said centrally disposed fastener, further comprising aconcentric cap disposed outside said cylindrical body surrounding atleast a part of said cylindrical body and fixing said first electricalterminal of said heating element between said cap and an outer peripheryof said cylindrical body.

According to still another aspect, the invention comprises a cigarlighter adapted to be received in an electrical socket for energizing aheating element of the cigar lighter, comprising an electricallyconductive body shell adapted to make electrical and mechanical contactwith a sleeve of the socket; a user actuatable knob attached to the bodyshell for movement against the bias of a compression spring; anelectrical heating element disposed at a distal end of the body shell,the electrical heating element having a first electrical terminal inelectrical contact with a first electrical contact element disposedaround the perimeter of the electrical heating element and adapted tomake electrical contact with a first electrical contact of theelectrical socket, the electrical heating element being controlled toreach a first predetermined temperature to allow ignition of a cigar orcigarette; the electrical heating element having a second electricalterminal substantially centrally located with respect to the body shell,the second electrical terminal in electrical contact with a centrallydisposed fastener; further comprising a thermal protection bimetalelement in electrical communication with said first electrical contactelement for electrically contacting either said body shell or a part inelectrical communication with said body shell in the event thetemperature of said heating element reaches a second predefinedtemperature higher than said first predetermined temperature to avert asafety hazard.

According to still yet another aspect, the invention comprises a cigarlighter adapted to be received in an electrical socket for energizing aheating element of the cigar lighter, comprising an electricallyconductive body shell adapted to make electrical and mechanical contactwith a sleeve of the socket; a user actuatable knob received in the bodyshell for telescopic movement therein against the bias of a compressionspring; an electrical heating element disposed at a distal end of thebody shell, the electrical heating element having a first electricalterminal in electrical contact with a first electrical contact elementdisposed around the perimeter of the electrical heating element andadapted to make electrical contact with a first electrical contact ofthe electrical socket; the electrical heating element having a secondelectrical terminal substantially centrally located with respect to thebody shell, the second electrical terminal in electrical contact with acentrally disposed fastener; a first bimetal element held in position bythe fastener electrically insulated from the body shell and being inelectrical communication with the second terminal of the heatingelement, the bimetal element having a proximally extending engagingelement; a movable electrical contact arranged for movement with theuser actuatable knob, the movable electrical contact being in electricalcommunication with the body shell, the movable electrical contact havingfirst and second positions whereby, in a first position, when the knobextends proximally, the movable electrical contact is not in electricalengagement with the bimetal engaging element so that the heating elementis not energized and wherein, in a second position, when the knob ismoved distally, the movable electrical contact engages with and is heldin position by said bimetal engaging element to energize the heatingelement with electrical power until a first predetermined temperature isreached at which said bimetal engaging element flexes to release saidmovable electrical contact from said bimetal engaging element tode-energize said heating element and allowing said knob to moveproximally due to the bias of said spring, further wherein said movableelectrical contact can be held in electrical engagement with aproximally directed head of said centrally disposed fastener by pressingsaid user actuatable knob distally to maintain electrical current flowto said heating element even if said first bimetal element has releasedthe movable electrical contact.

According to yet still another embodiment, the invention comprises acigar lighter adapted to be received in an electrical socket forenergizing a heating element of the cigar lighter, comprising anelectrically conductive body shell adapted to make electrical andmechanical contact with a sleeve of the socket; a user actuatable knobattached to the body shell for movement against the bias of acompression spring; an electrical heating element disposed at a distalend of the body shell, the electrical heating element having a firstelectrical terminal in electrical contact with a first electricalcontact element disposed around the perimeter of the electrical heatingelement and adapted to make electrical contact with a first electricalcontact of the electrical socket; the electrical heating element havinga second electrical terminal substantially centrally located withrespect to the body shell, the second electrical terminal in electricalcontact with a centrally disposed fastener; further wherein the firstelectrical contact element comprises a cylindrical contact elementsurrounding the electrical heating element; further wherein the heatingelement is in the shape of a spiral having the first electrical terminaldisposed on the outside of said spiral, further wherein the firstelectrical terminal of the heating element is secured electrically andmechanically to a coil retainer that surrounds the heating element;wherein the coil retainer is rolled over to secure the first electricalterminal in a region of the perimeter of the coil retainer comprisingonly a portion of the perimeter of the coil retainer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

The invention will be described in greater detail in the followingdetailed description with reference to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a cut-away view of a first embodiment of the cigar lighteraccording to the present invention inserted into an electrical socket,with the cigar lighter in a stand-by, deenergized position;

FIG. 1A shows the lighter of FIG. 1 in its socket in the energizedposition in a view rotated 90° FIG. 1;

FIG. 1B shows details of the socket, including the B+ contact (power)spring in a view rotated 180° from FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 shows a cut-away view of the cigar lighter in the stand-byposition (socket not shown);

FIG. 3 shows a cut-away view the cigar lighter in the energized position(socket not shown);

FIG. 3A shows the cigar lighter of FIG. 3 when the “relite” feature isbeing employed;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the cigarlighter;

FIG. 5 shows the second embodiment of the cigar lighter in a cut-awayview (socket not shown);

FIG. 5A shows the second embodiment of the cigar lighter in itsenergized or powered-on position (socket not shown);

FIG. 6 shows the heating element assembly of the second embodiment in aperspective view;

FIG. 7 shows a bottom perspective view of the heating element assembly;

FIG. 8 shows a portion of the heating element assembly showing detailsof the heating coil retainer/contact;

FIG. 9 shows a cigar lighter according to the invention employing analternative embodiment of the heating element assembly and coilretainer;

FIG. 9A shows details of the embodiment of FIG. 9;

FIG. 9AA shows a modified embodiment of FIG. 9;

FIGS. 9B-9K show details of the assembly process for the embodiment ofFIG. 9;

FIG. 10 shows a cigar lighter according to the invention employinganother alternative embodiment of the heating element assembly and coilretainer;

FIG. 10A shows details of the embodiment of FIG. 10;

FIG. 10AA shows details of FIG. 10A.

FIGS. 10B-10H show details of the assembly process for the embodiment ofFIG. 10;

FIG. 11 shows the heating element assembly of FIG. 8 and showing oneform of a thermal protection element;

FIG. 12 shows the heating element assembly of FIG. 8 showing analternative embodiment of the thermal protection element;

FIG. 13 shows yet another alternative embodiment of the thermalprotection element;

FIG. 13A shows another alternative embodiment of the thermal protectionelement;

FIG. 13B shows the bimetal thermal protection disc of FIG. 13A.

FIG. 13C shows the heating element and unactivated bimetal thermalprotection disc;

FIG. 13D is a cross section along line A-A of FIG. 13C;

FIG. 13E shows the heating element with the bimetal thermal protectiondisc in an activated state;

FIG. 13F is a cross section along line B-B through a center plane of theheating element of FIG. 13E.

FIG. 14 shows a cut-away view of the universal socket according to theinvention;

FIG. 15 shows the contact assembly of the universal socket in a bottomview;

FIG. 16 shows a top perspective view of the contact plate for theuniversal socket;

FIG. 17 shows a bottom view of the contact plate;

FIG. 18 shows the upper insulator of the contact assembly in a topperspective view;

FIG. 19 shows the upper insulator in a bottom view;

FIG. 20 shows the lower insulator of the contact assembly in a top view;

FIG. 21 shows the lower insulator from below;

FIG. 22 shows a bottom perspective exploded view of the contactassembly;

FIG. 23 shows the assembled contact assembly in a bottom perspectiveview;

FIGS. 24 and 25 show two different side views, turned 90°, of analternative embodiment of the contact assembly;

FIG. 26 shows a perspective view of the alternative contact assembly;

FIGS. 27 and 28 show top and bottom views, respectively, of thealternative embodiment of the contact assembly;

FIGS. 29, 30 and 31 show yet a further contact assembly in side and topperspective views;

FIGS. 32, 33, 33A, 34, 34A and 34B show various views of yet still afurther contact assembly;

FIG. 35 shows yet still a further embodiment of the socket in a cut awayside view showing yet another contact assembly;

FIG. 36 shows the embodiment of FIG. 35 from the side;

FIG. 37 shows a prior art electrical plug for use with known vehicleelectrical power outlets;

FIG. 38 shows how the prior art plug is received in the universal socketaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 39 shows an electrical accessory device plug according to theinvention inserted in the universal socket according to the presentinvention; and

FIGS. 40 and 41 show how the inventive electric cigar lighter of thesecond embodiment can be received in the universal socket according tothe present invention, with FIG. 40 showing the cigar lighter in thestand-by position and

FIG. 41 showing it in the powered-on position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of anelectric cigar lighter 10 in accordance with the present inventionreceived in a known vehicle electrical socket 200. The cigar lighter 10is shown in FIG. 1 in its stand-by or deenergized position. FIG. 2 showsthe cigar lighter in the stand-by position but not in its socket. FIG. 3shows the cigar lighter in its energized position, but not in thesocket.

The cigar lighter 10 comprises a cylindrical shell 11 that is made ofmetal, for example, steel plated to inhibit corrosion. The shell 11 isattached to a ring shaped knob escutcheon 12. A center knob part 14 isreceived in the escutcheon 12 for slidable movement therein against theopposition of a coil spring 16. The knob 14 is mounted concentrically ona metal shaft 18. The knob 14 and escutcheon 12 are typically made of aplastic material.

At the distal end of the shaft 18, a screw 20 is provided. The screw 20retains an annular electrical contact 22 to the shaft 18.

At the base or distal-most end of the cigar lighter 10, there isprovided formed into the cylindrical shell 11 an enlarged region 24. Inthe enlarged region 24, an electrical heating assembly including aheating element 26 is provided. The electrical heating element assemblyhas a contact/shield 28 surrounding the heating element 26. The heatingelement 26 is typically made of a resistance material such as nichromewire or banding that is formed in a spiral shape having an outer portionof the winding secured to the shield 28 which functions as an electricalcontact. The inner-most end of the heating element 26 is connected to acontact rivet 30 which is mounted in an electrical and thermal insulator32, for example, made of ceramic. Connected electrically to the rivet 30and thus to the heating element is a bimetallic element 34 mounted oninsulator 32 that is formed in the shape of a clip having two opposedmembers 34A and 34B. The bimetallic element is provided as part of aswitch in the lighter that allows energization of the heating element 26until the heating element reaches an operating temperature, at whichpoint the bimetallic element flexes outwardly and disengages fromcontact 22 as will now be explained, to deenergize the heating element26.

FIG. 2 shows the cigar lighter in its deenergized position. FIG. 1 showsthe cigar lighter engaged in the socket but in a deenergized statebecause the bimetallic clip element 34 is not in electrical contact withthe contact 22.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 1A and 1B, at the distal end of socket 200,an electrical insulator 222 is provided, made of molded plastic,typically, which includes two electrical terminals 224 and 226 forreceiving electrical power from the vehicle electrical power source. Oneof these terminals 224 is coupled to the center rivet 210 of the socket200 and the other is coupled to the socket shell 220.

When lighter 10 is inserted in socket 200, the enlarged area 24 ofcylindrical shell 11 engages spherical feature 229 of retention lances228 as shown in FIG. 1B. This engagement retains lighter 10 in properposition within socket 200. The invention places the retention lances228 in a location that will not be distorted when accessory male plugsare inserted into socket 200, unlike traditional cigar lighters wherethe retention lances were placed closer to the opening of the metalsocket shell 220. This provides protection to the retention lances fromexternal forces.

To energize the heating unit, the knob 14 is placed into the positionshown in FIG. 3, that is, it is pressed into the annular escutcheonelement 12 against the bias of the compression spring 16. The annularcontact 22 is received between the two opposed ends 34A and 34B of thebimetallic element 34 as shown in FIG. 3. Thus there is electricalcontact between contact 22 and bimetallic element 34. This completes anelectrical circuit from the socket. In particular, when the lighter unit10 is inserted in the socket 200 and the knob 14 is in the pushed-inposition as shown in FIG. 3, it places the lighter unit in theelectrically energized condition. Electrical current flows from thevehicle positive supply (positive current convention is used herein)connected to terminal 224 (FIG. 1) coupled to socket rivet 210 which iselectrically coupled to socket terminal 227 as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.The shield 28 is electrically and mechanically engaged with terminal 227when knob 14 is in the pushed-in position. Current flows through thecoiled heating element 26 to heat up the heating element 26 and then tothe center rivet 30 to the bimetallic element 34 which is engagedelectrically and mechanically with the contact 22. The electricalcircuit is completed through shaft 18 and a conductive element 36 to theexternal lighter shell 11, which is coupled electrically to the metalsocket shell 220 and hence to the vehicle ground return via terminal226.

When the heating element 26 reaches operating temperature, heat that isconvected/radiated/conducted to the bimetallic element 34 causes thebimetallic element ends 34A and 34B to flex outwardly, thereby allowingthe contact 22 to move out of engagement therewith and move upwardlyaway from the bimetallic element 34 by virtue of the force provided bythe compression spring 16. This breaks the electric circuit and theheating element 26 is no longer energized but can be removed from socket200 to be utilized to light a cigarette or cigar.

The invention places the bimetallic switch contact 34 within the cigarlighter, unlike traditional cigar lighters where the bimetallic elementwas placed in the socket 200. This provides protection to the bimetalliccontact from external forces.

The proximity of the bimetallic contact 34 to the heating element 26provides for improved heat transfer resulting in improved control of theheating element temperature by conductive and convective means. Theplacement of the switch contact 22 in connection with the shaft 18connected to the actuating knob 14 provides for lower surfacetemperature of the knob 14.

The contact 22 also contains a feature, called a “relite” feature, toallow for continuous electrical power to the lighter unit when thebimetallic contact 34 is flexed outwardly from heat transfer.Specifically, if a user desires to keep the heating element energizedeven after the bimetallic element has deflected outwardly to cause theheating element to be deenergized, the user can push the knob 14 backinto the knob escutcheon 12 and hold the knob 14 depressed to maintainthe heating element 26 in the energized position. The heating element 26will then continue to be energized, not through electrical contactbetween the contact 22 and the bimetallic element 34, but by electricalcontact between the head 37 of the screw 20 and the top 31 of the centerrivet 30 as shown in FIG. 3A. This will ensure electrical continuitybetween the ground side of the heating element 26 and the head 37 of thescrew 20 and therefore to the shell 11 and thus to the socket shell 220.

As will be explained in more detail below, should the temperature insidethe lighter unit increase beyond a safe temperature, particularly ifthis feature to keep the heating element 26 energized is over-used,there is a feature provided in the lighter unit 10 to provide anelectrical short circuit to blow a fuse in the electrical circuitproviding power to the cigar lighter socket 200 thereby to prevent therisk of fire hazard or melting of the cigar lighter components in thesocket or the wiring to the socket.

FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the cigar lighter in a perspectiveview. The second embodiment comprises a two-part knob comprising a pushin part 14A and collar 14B and a cylindrical shell 11A which is receivedin a new socket (shown in FIG. 14) to be described herein.

Turning to FIG. 5, the cigar lighter of FIG. 4 is shown in a cut-awayview in a deenergized position. The knob 14 comprises a telescoping knobpart 14B received in outer part 14A and which is actuated by a user andis held in the position shown in FIG. 5 against the bias of a coilspring 16.

The cigar lighter of FIG. 5 includes a bimetallic element 34, shaft 18and contact 22. Shaft 18 and contact 22 are in electrical contact withportion 36 which is in sliding electrical contact with the outer shell11A.

At the distal end of the cigar lighter, there is provided anelectrically conductive cylindrical metal contact/coil retainer 28A. Thecontact 28A is received in a cap 29. The heating element 26 is in theshape of a spiral as in the embodiment of FIG. 1 and has its outerperiphery in electrical contact, as will be explained below, with thecontact 28A. The cap 29 is also made of a conductive material such asmetal.

FIG. 6 shows the heating element assembly in a perspective view showingthe bimetallic contact 34 which is received on an insulator 35. Theinsulator 35 is located concentrically in a ground retainer 38 which isin contact with the outer shell 11A. The ground retainer 38 is insulatedfrom the bimetallic contact 34 and the central rivet 30 and also fromcap 29 by an insulator 40 (FIG. 5).

FIG. 7 shows a bottom perspective view of the heating element assemblyshowing the ground retainer 38, the cylindrical contact 28A and the cap29. There is an insulator 40 disposed between the ground retainer 38 andthe cap 29. Disposed above the cap 29 is furthermore a thermalbimetallic protector 41, which is designed to protect the electric cigarlighter from overheating, as will be explained below.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the heating element 26 is spirally wound andhas an outside end 26A that is received between the contact 28A and thecap 29. The external end or tail 26A of the heating element 26 iscaptured in a circumferential groove 42 that is provided in the contact28A, as shown in FIG. 8. The tail 26A is captured between the contact28A and the cap 29, securely held in position and making electricalcontact with the contact 28A. The tail 26A is received in thecircumferential groove 42 through a slot 44 provided in the contact 28A,as shown in FIG. 8. Cap 29 is also preferably provided with an alignedgroove 43 in FIG. 6 to securely capture the tail 26A and ensure goodelectrical contact.

The inner end of the heating element 26 is securely fitted in a slot 30Aprovided in the end of the center rivet 30 in the center of the heatingelement assembly, as shown in FIG. 7, for example, by swaging.

FIG. 5A shows the cigar lighter in the energized condition. Electricalcurrent flows from cylindrical contact 28A through heating element 26,to rivet 30 to clip 34 thence to annular contact 22 to shaft 18 and thenthrough member 36 to shell wall 11A and thence to the socket wall to theground return. When bimetallic contact 34 has reached a predeterminedtemperature corresponding to an adequate temperature to allow ignitionof a cigar, the ends of clip 34 flex outwardly enough to interrupt thecircuit and spring 16 retracts annular contact 22.

As described above, there is also a bimetal thermal protector 41 asshown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, that flexes outwardly in the event thetemperature in the heating element assembly exceeds a predefined safetemperature due to overheating of the heating element 26. If thisoccurs, the bimetal thermal protector 41 flexes radially outwardly,making contact with the external shell 11A, causing a short circuit toground and blowing a fuse in the supply line to the socket, therebydeenergizing heating element 26 and preventing the risk of fire hazard.Protector 41 is in electrical contact with the cap 29 and contact 28A.

FIG. 9 shows the cigar lighter according to the present inventionutilizing an alternative embodiment of the coil retainer. In thisembodiment, a full rollover coil retainer is used.

This coil retainer design is similar to disclosures contained in U.S.Pat. Nos. 4,007,353 and 4,045,865.

In particular, the embodiment of the cigar lighter in FIG. 9 is showinserted in its socket. In particular, the differences in thisembodiment relate to how the heating element 26 is retained in the coilretainer.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, a full rollover coil retainer 27 isemployed. Details are shown in FIG. 9A. In the embodiment shown in FIG.9, the coil retainer cap 28AA also functions as the positive sidecontact for the cigar lighter, similarly to the contact 28A of FIG. 5.The coil retainer cap 28AA is stepped down as shown at 28AAA. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 9A, the coil retainer cap 28A is not steppeddown, however, a circumferential bead 28AAAA provides retention of thefull rollover coil retainer 27 to the coil retainer cap 28A, 28AA.

Another embodiment replaces the circumferential bead 28AAAA withlocalized multiple dimples 28ABA (See FIG. 9AA).

In this embodiment of the heating element assembly, the heating element26 is held in position by a rolled over coil retainer 27. This is shownin more detail in FIG. 9A. In particular, the heating element tail 26A,as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B is received in the coil retainer 27 duringthe manufacturing process. The heating element 26 is inserted into thecoil retainer 27 and during the manufacturing process, the edge isrolled over as shown in FIG. 9C to retain the tail 26A of the heatingelement and thereby provide a secure electrical and mechanicalconnection. FIG. 9D shows how the heating element tail 26A is capturedwhen the coil retainer 27 is rolled over around it. The embodiment ofFIG. 9 has what is called a full rollover coil retainer because the coilretainer is rolled over along the entire circumference of the coilretainer.

FIG. 9E through 9I show further details of the manufacturing process.After the rollover of the edge of the coil retainer 27, the rivet 30 isinserted as shown in FIGS. 9E and 9F. The center terminal 26B of theheating element is swedged to the slot 30A of the rivet 30 to securelyfasten it mechanically and electrically to the rivet 30. FIG. 9F showsthe rivet assembled to the heating element 26 and coil retainer 27.Then, as shown in FIG. 9G, the coil retainer cap 28A, which functions asthe positive side electrical contact to the socket, is assembled to therivet with an insulator 37 provided between the coil retainer cap 28Aand the shoulder 30B of the rivet 30. Electrical insulation must beprovided between the coil retainer cap 28A which functions as thepositive side contact and which is electrically engaged to the coilretainer 27.

FIG. 9H shows the alternative embodiment with the step down diametercoil retainer cap 28AA showing the step down at 28AAA. FIG. 9I shows thestep down embodiment in a cross section.

FIGS. 9J and 9K show alternative ways of insuring that the coil retainer27 is securely held in the coil retainer cap contact 28A. In oneembodiment, three localized snap tabs 35A are provided, as shown in FIG.9J, angularly spaced about the coil retainer cap 28A. For example, theymay be equiangularly spaced. Although three tabs are shown, a lesser orgreater number can be used.

FIG. 9K shows another embodiment showing bent tabs 35B. A plurality ofthese can be used angularly spaced about the coil retainer cap 28A. Alesser or greater number can be used.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the heating element assembly in thecigar lighter according to the present invention (shown in the socket).In this embodiment, a partial rollover coil retainer 27A is utilized. Inthis embodiment, shown in greater detail in FIGS. 10A and 10AA, the coilretainer 27A utilizes a rollover only in a certain angular region of theperimeter of the coil retainer 27A to secure the tail 26A of the heatingelement 26. In this embodiment, shown more particularly in FIG. 10AA,and even more particularly in FIGS. 10B-10D, the heating element 26, asshown in FIG. 10B is attached to the rivet 30. As shown in FIG. 10D, thetail 26A of the heating element is then inserted into a coil retainer28AB which functions as an integral coil retainer and cigar lighterpositive side contact. The heating element 26 is aligned with a partialrollover region 27A or inserted into the partial rollover region 27Awhich is then crimped to provide the secure electrical contact to thetail 26A of the heating element 26. Thus, in this embodiment, it is notnecessary to roll over or crimp the entire coil retainer 27. As noted,in this embodiment, the coil retainer 27 and the contact 28AB form asingle integral component. Then, as shown in FIG. 10F, the heatingelement assembly comprising the heating element 26 held in the coilretainer 28AB and fastened to the rivet 30 is attached to the coilretainer cap 29 with rivet 30 with an insulator 37 therebetween, as inthe embodiment of FIG. 9. Then, to insure engagement between the cap 29and the coil retainer 28AB, a bead 42 is rolled in the cap 29 tosecurely engage the cap 29 to the coil retainer 28AB. See FIGS. 10G and10H.

FIG. 11 shows a further embodiment of the thermal protection bimetalcontact, here identified by 41A.

In FIG. 11, the bimetal 41A is pointed upwardly towards the knob 14.Should the operating temperature increase to an unsafe temperature, thebimetal 41A flexes radially outwardly and makes electrical contact withthe ground retainer 38 causing a short circuit to remove power to thecigar lighter and thus prevent a fire hazard.

In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 12, the thermal protectionbimetal is shown at 41B. In this embodiment, the bimetal 41B is U shapedin cross section as shown in FIG. 12 and is designed to flex outward andmake contact with the ground retainer 38 thereby to provide a shortcircuit to blow the fuse and remove the electrical supply to the cigarlighter.

Note that in FIGS. 11 and 12, the contact 28A is used. However, thecontact/shield 28 of FIGS. 1 to 3 could also be employed.

A more detailed view of the thermal protection bimetal used in FIG. 5 isshown in FIG. 13. In this embodiment, the bimetal 41 points distally andflexes outwardly to electrically engage the outer shell 11A to cause ashort circuit in the event of an overcurrent, blowing the fuse supplyingelectrical power to the cigar lighter to prevent a fire hazard.

FIG. 13A shows an alternative and presently preferred embodiment of thethermal protection bimetal element. As in the other embodiments, thiselement relates to a means that provides thermal protection fromexcessive heat transfer from the heating element and is located withinthe heating unit as compared to placement within the socket.

With reference to FIG. 13A, a circular bimetallic disc 41C consisting ofcutouts 41CC that create one or more activation beams 41D is placed inintimate contact with the coil retainer cap 29. Locking holes 41E arepositioned asymmetrically in alignment with locking pins 35A of ceramicinsulator 35 to insure the proper orientation of the low expansion sideof the bimetallic disc 41C. Improper orientation will result in lack ofconcentricity of the disc to the circumference of coil retainer cap 29and thus problems with assembly into subsequent assembly levels. Thislack of concentricity will be obvious during assembly and thus willprevent such improper assembly.

An insulating isolation disc 40A, with corresponding cutouts 40B thatallow the bimetallic cantilever beam(s) 41D to deflect and havinglocking holes 40E is aligned to the thermal protection bimetallic disc41C allowing the activation beam 41D to deflect and short to the groundretainer 38 upon exposure to excessive heat.

The isolation disc 40A provides electrical isolation and the means tocontrol the gap between the bimetallic disc 41C and the ground retainer38, a distance that effectively determines the temperature of theheating element at which the bimetallic disc will short to ground andthe current will increase until the in-line fuse will open.

The embodiment of FIGS. 13A-F introduces a simple and precise way tocontrol the gap through which the bimetallic beam 41D will travel toshort to ground the electrical circuit. The prior art provides for twoor more dimensional features, with associated tolerances to control thisgap. This method requires only one feature to accomplish theestablishment of the gap.

Unlike the prior art, this embodiment maintains a uniform temperature ofthe bimetallic disc 41C that changes in temperature correspondinglywhile the coil retainer cap 29 increases in temperature. The prior artresults in sections of the bimetallic member cooling by convection heattransfer resulting in a thermal gradient across the bimetallic memberprior to the deflection of the member due to the presence of elevatedtemperature. This can cause an unreliable actuation.

The positioning of the asymmetrical locking holes in the coil retainercap 29 (29E), in the thermal protection disc 41C (41E), in the isolationdisc 40A (40E) and in the ground retainer 38 (38E) that align withasymmetrical locking pins 35A in the insulator 35 provides visualverification for the orientation of the bimetal disc 41C low expansionside. Should the bimetal disc's low expansion side be improperlyoriented, then the circumference of the disc would project beyond theenvelope of the coil retainer cap's circumference which in turn willprevent the subsequent assembly in the ash guard. Thus, it will beobvious if the disc 41C is improperly oriented, i.e., the high thermalexpansion side pointing up instead of down.

In contrast to the cigar lighter embodiment of FIG. 1, the embodiment ofFIG. 5 employs a new form of the positive supply side cigar lighterelectrical contact, that is, the cylindrical contact 28A. In theembodiment of FIG. 1, the positive side contact is of the conventionaltype, i.e., the contact/shield member 28 which contacts the socketpositive contact. In contrast to this conventional design, in theembodiment shown in FIG. 5, the new design contact 28A is of acylindrical design, that makes contact with a new and improved socketcontact which will be described later herein. The new contact 28Aprovides an improvement in current handling capability by providing astable and low contact resistance electrical connection between thecontact 28A and the heating element 26 and also by providing a shelfcleaning (sliding contact) capability to minimize electrical arcing withthe socket contact.

The electric cigar lighter disclosed herein provides for a means toswitch the cigar lighter on that is protected from external forcesbecause the bimetal element 34 is placed within the lighter unit incomparison to prior art designs where it is placed in the socket.

The electric cigar lighter according to the invention provides forimproved thermal control of the heating element by placing thebimetallic element 34 in close proximity to the heating element andallowing heat transfer from the heating element to the bimetallicelement by conduction, conduction and radiation.

The electric cigar lighter according to the present invention providesfor a continuous power feature that allows for continuous electricalcurrent flow after the bimetallic contact 34 separates from the contact22, interrupting the current flow, to allow for continuous heat supplybut yet ensuring proper thermal protection of the cigar lighter. Thisfeature is activated when the actuating knob 14 is depressedcontinuously, allowing the head of screw 20 to contact head 31 of rivet30.

The cigar lighter cylindrical electrical contact 28A allows electricalcontact from the socket to be made on the inner diameter of the contactelement 28A. This provides an ability for a shelf cleaning slidingaction that reduces potential detrimental effects of electrical arcingfound in prior art designs. In order to accomplish this, a new designsocket contact, to be described below, is used.

The electrical cigar lighter provides for a stable electrical contactincluding low contact resistance between the heating element 26 and thecoil retainer/contact 28A. Furthermore, the new design contact 28Afunctions as a passive, non moving ash guard that eliminates allassociated functional problems with moving parts in prior art ash guarddesigns.

Furthermore, the cigar lighter of the present invention provides forthermal protection of the cigar lighter heating unit and socket byplacing the thermal protection bimetal device within the lighter unititself. The cigar lighter according to the invention achieves acommercial advantage by disposing the thermal protection device withinthe lighter unit as opposed to the conventional placement in the socket.Thermal protection is required in order to remove electrical power tothe heating element upon reaching a prescribed temperature to prevent asafety hazard. Placing the thermal protection element within the heatingunit allows the original equipment manufacturer to provide a universalpower socket that does not have the added cost associated with thermalprotection.

FIG. 14 shows a universal power socket which can be employed to providepower to the cigar lighter shown in FIG. 5 as well as to otherelectrical accessory devices, for example, electrical chargers, laptopcomputers, etc.

In the past, vehicle electrical power sockets have been of severaldesigns. In one design, a bimetallic element is provided in the socketfor use with a cigar lighter intended to be inserted into the socket. Inanother design, the socket does not include a bimetallic element.Instead, a centrally located positive side vehicle electrical supplyconnection is provided that is adapted to contact a spring loadedcontact on an electrical plug. In another design adapted to be used withcigar lighters where the bimetallic element is built into the cigarlighter, a positive side supply socket contact engages with the lighterpositive side supply contact. See U.S. Pat. No. 6,740,850 or EP09004224.3. In all of these designs, the ground connection is providedby the shell of the socket.

The problem with these designs is that inadequate contact may be madewith the central or positive contact. Often, the prior art plugs thatare employed with these sockets have a spring loaded center contact thatengages with the center contact of the socket through the action of thespring force to maintain electrical connection. Similarly, the lighterof the above two patent documents relies on spring contacts for thepositive side electrical contact. However, these can provide aninadequate electrical contact.

An example of the prior art electrical accessory plug 300 is shown inFIG. 37. This design employs a spring loaded curved ground contact 310for making electrical contact with the shell of the socket. A centerspring loaded positive contact 320 is provided for making contact withthe positive side socket contact. Often the positive contact arcs whenthe electrical contact is first made or when it is removed, resulting indamage to the contact which causes higher resistance electricalconnections to be formed. The socket of the present invention eliminatesthese effects.

At the same time, the socket according to the present invention is auniversal socket because it can also be employed with the prior artaccessory plug 300 shown in FIG. 37.

Turning to FIG. 14, the power socket according to the present inventionis shown. In this embodiment, the socket comprises a socket well 400 andan electrical connector portion 405 comprising an insulating body 410provided with electrical terminals 412 (FIG. 36) and 414 for connectionto the vehicle electrical supply. Terminal 414 is electrically connectedto a central rivet 416. The rivet 416 holds an upper insulator 418concentrically in the socket shell 400. The rivet is thus insulated fromshell 400. In electrical connection with the rivet 416 and clampedbetween the insulator 418 and an additional lower insulator 420, is anelectrical contact plate 422. The electrical contact plate 422 includesa plurality of radially and proximally directed contact elements 422A asshown in FIGS. 16 and 17. The lower insulator 420 insulates contactplate 422 from the shell 400.

Turning to FIG. 16, the electrical contact plate 422 is shown. It has aplurality, in the embodiment shown, three, sliding spring loadedelectrical contacts 422A which have contact buttons directed radiallyoutwardly. These contact buttons 422A are designed to make electricalcontact with the inside surface of coil retainer/contact element 28A ofthe cigar lighter of FIG. 5 and also to an accessory plug to bedescribed hereinafter which can be employed to provide electrical powerto electrical/electronic accessory devices that are used in a motorvehicle. FIG. 16 shows the electrical contact plate in a top perspectiveview. FIG. 17 shows the electrical contact plate 422 in a bottomperspective view. The electrical contact plate 422 is held in positionby the rivet 416 which extends through a central opening 423 of thecontact element. The central opening 423 has gripping surfaces 421 forensuring good electrical contact to rivet 416.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show top and bottom perspective views of the upperinsulator 418.

The upper insulator 418 may include a plurality of alignment recesses424. The upper insulator 418 and lower insulator 420 provide electricalisolation of the contact plate 422 and rivet 416 from the socket well400.

The lower insulator 420 is shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 in top and bottomviews respectively. The lower insulator may include a plurality ofalignment projections 425 which are received in the alignment recesses424 of the upper insulator 418. The lower insulator 420 provides forelectrical isolation of the rivet 416 and contact plate 422 from thewell 400. The alignment projections 425 provide for indexing to thecontact plate 422 and the upper insulator 418. The lower insulator 420includes a pilot shoulder 426 that has an inner and outer diameter. Thepilot shoulder outer diameter and the inner diameter provide forconcentricity control of the contact plate 422 to the well 400.

FIG. 22 shows an exploded bottom view of the contact assembly includingthe rivet 416, upper insulator 418, contact plate 422 and lowerinsulator 420. FIG. 23 shows a perspective bottom view of the assembledcontact assembly. Rivet 416 holds the contact assembly to the socketinsulator 410 with the well 400 bottom clamped between lower insulator420 and socket insulator 410. See FIG. 14.

FIGS. 24-28 show an alternative contact assembly configuration. In thisconfiguration, the electrical contact plate 422A has a plurality ofspring loaded contact projections 422B that protrude through openings inthe insulator 418A to make contact with the internal diameter of thecontact element 28A shown in FIG. 5. The lower insulator is indicated at420A.

Another embodiment is shown in FIGS. 29-31. In this embodiment, thecontact plate 422B has two opposed contacts 422BA that make contact withthe inner diameter of the contact 28A of FIG. 5. A single insulator 418Bis used in this design.

FIGS. 32-34 including FIGS. 33A, 34A and 34B show a further embodimentemploying a contact plate 422C having two contact elements. In thisembodiment the insulator is identified by reference numeral 418C.

Common to all these embodiments is that the electrical contact plates422, 422A, 422B and 422C have contact buttons that are spring loaded tomake contact with the inner surface of the contact 28A, shown in FIG. 5,by a wiping or sliding action, thereby providing a shelf cleaning of thecontact, leading to less arcing and fewer deposits on the contactinterfering with adequate electrical conductivity.

FIGS. 35 and 36 show yet an alternative embodiment. In this embodiment,the contact plate 422D has fingers that extend upwardly and then benddownwardly so that the downwardly bending portions can flex when theyrub against the inside surface of contact 28A when the accessory plug orcigar lighter is inserted.

Thus, the universal power socket can be employed to power the cigarlighter described in connection with FIG. 5 and also used with otherelectrical accessory devices. The power socket according to theinvention thus has functions that are independent from the cigarlighter. Although it can be used to provide power to the cigar lighterdescribed in connection with FIG. 5 herein, it can also be used withother electrical are electronic accessory devices that employ anelectrical accessory plug that is compatible with the socket.

As described previously, the universal electrical socket describedherein can provide power to accessory devices by means of an electricalplug that interfaces with the universal electrical socket. Theelectrical socket of the invention can interface also with commerciallyavailable plugs, as described above and shown in FIG. 37. Thecommercially available electrical accessory plug shown in FIG. 37 isslidably received into the universal power socket until the springactuated positive contact 320 creates an electrical contact with thehead of the power outlet rivet 416. One or more ground contacts springs310 complete the ground return electrical circuit to the well.

FIG. 38 shows how the prior art electrical accessory plug makes contactwith the universal socket according to the present invention. As shown,the spring loaded positive contact 320 engages with the head of therivet 416 to connect to the positive side of the vehicle electricalsupply. The spring loaded ground contact 310 engages with the socketwell 400 to complete the electrical circuit ground return. As shown, theelectrical contact 422 is not used with the prior art electricalaccessory plug.

FIG. 39 shows an accessory plug according to the invention that can beemployed with the universal power socket in accordance with the presentinvention. The cable 430 leads to the powered electrical/electronicdevice. The plug is shown at 500 inserted into the well 400 of theuniversal socket. The accessory plug includes a cylindrical contact 28Alike the electrical contact 28A shown in the cigar lighter of FIG. 5 toprovide contact with the contact buttons of the contact plate 422 of theuniversal socket. It uses a spring loaded ground contact 310 to providethe ground side connection.

FIGS. 40 and 41 show the cigar lighter of FIG. 5 slidably received intothe universal power socket in a standby position (FIG. 40) and in thepower-on position (FIG. 41). The cylindrical contact element 28A makescontact with the contact fingers of contact plate 422 to provide thepositive side vehicle electrical supply to the cigar lighter. All othercomponents shown in FIGS. 40 and 41 have like reference numerals tothose shown in FIGS. 5 and 14.

The universal power socket according to the present invention is capableof carrying higher current levels to accessory devices than prior artsockets.

The socket according to the present invention provides a wiping actionfor the power socket positive side contact when a plug for an accessorydevice or a cigar lighter having the new cylindrical contact is insertedinto the socket. This resolves a problem with the prior art devices,that is, the arcing on the socket and plug positive side contact whenthe accessory plug or cigar lighter heating unit makes and breaks power.

The power socket according to the present invention provides improvedretention of a plug for an electrical accessory device within the socketby the addition of one or more electrical contacts that provide a radialfrictional force on the plug or cigar lighter contact 28A.

The cylindrical contact 28A of the power socket according to the presentinvention provides a non-moving, passive guard to prevent ashes fromcigarette products dispersing from the general vicinity of the heatingelement.

Placement of the socket positive side contacts so that they engageelectrically with the inner surface of the cylindrical contact 28A ofthe lighter/plug provides a cleaning action and reduces the effects ofelectrical arcing. Furthermore, the placement of the positive sidecontacts radially disposed from the center of the socket helps tothermally isolate the positive side contacts from the radiant andconvective heat transfer from the heating unit of a cigar lighterinserted into the socket.

Moreover, the universal socket is completely compatible with the knownelectrical plugs employing a spring loaded center contact (FIG. 37) andthe positive contacts 422 are protected against damage from the priorart accessory plugs (FIG. 38).

A significant advantage of the universal power socket according to thepresent invention is that it provides a single configuration of auniversal power socket that can be used both with electrical accessorydevices and aftermarket cigar lighter units. Furthermore, there is noneed to place the thermal protection bimetal element in the universalpower socket. Instead, the bimetal protection device, normally mandatoryfor all cigar lighter sockets, can now be placed in the cigar lighteritself, thereby reducing costs.

The invention also provides an accessory plug that reduces detrimentaleffects of arcing when the plug makes or breaks electrical power to thepower socket. The accessory plug allows for high levels of current drawand provides better retention within the socket than the prior artaxially spring loaded devices.

Although the present invention has been described in relation toparticular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modificationsand other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It ispreferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by thespecific disclosure herein, but only by the appended claims.

1. A cigar lighter adapted to be received in an electrical socket forenergizing a heating element of the cigar lighter comprising: anelectrically conductive body shell adapted to make electrical andmechanical contact with a sleeve of the socket; a user actuatable knobreceived in the body shell for telescopic movement therein against thebias of a compression spring; an electrical heating element disposed ata distal end of the body shell, the electrical heating element having afirst electrical terminal in electrical contact with a first electricalcontact element disposed around the perimeter of the electrical heatingelement and adapted to make electrical contact with a first electricalcontact of the electrical socket; the electrical heating element havinga second electrical terminal substantially centrally located withrespect to the body shell, the second electrical terminal in electricalcontact with a centrally disposed fastener; a first bimetal element heldin position by the fastener electrically insulated from the body shelland being in electrical communication with the second terminal of theheating element, the bimetal element including at least two proximallyextending engaging clips; a movable electrical contact arranged formovement with the user actuatable knob, the movable electrical contactbeing in electrical communication with the body shell, the movableelectrical contact having first and second positions whereby, in a firstposition, when the knob extends proximally, the movable electricalcontact is not in electrical engagement with the bimetal engaging clipsso that the heating element is not energized and wherein, in a secondposition, when the knob is moved distally, the movable electricalcontact engages with and is held in position by said bimetal engagingclips to energize the heating element with electrical power until afirst predetermined temperature is reached at which said bimetal clipsflex to release said movable electrical contact from said bimetalengaging clips to de-energize said heating element and allowing saidknob to move proximally due to the bias of said spring.
 2. The cigarlighter of claim 1, wherein the first electrical contact elementcomprises a cylindrical contact element surrounding the electricalheating element.
 3. The cigar lighter of claim 2, wherein thecylindrical contact element is adapted to electrically engage the firstelectrical contact of the socket on an inner peripheral surface of thecylindrical contact element such that there is a sliding contact betweenthe inner peripheral surface and the first electrical contact of thesocket.
 4. The cigar lighter of claim 3, further wherein the heatingelement is in the shape of a spiral having the first electrical terminaldisposed on the outside of said spiral, said first electrical terminalbeing received through a slot in said cylindrical contact elementthereby electrically engaging with said cylindrical contact element, thesecond electrical terminal being disposed at the inside of said spiraland being in electrical engagement with said centrally disposedfastener.
 5. The cigar lighter of claim 4, further comprising aconcentric cap disposed outside said cylindrical contact elementsurrounding at least a part of said cylindrical contact element andfixing said first electrical terminal of said heating element betweensaid cap and an outer periphery of said cylindrical contact element. 6.The cigar lighter of claim 5, further comprising a circumferentialgroove in the outer periphery of said cylindrical contact element,whereby the first electrical terminal of said heating element isreceived between said cap and said cylindrical contact element in saidgroove to provide an electrical connection of said first electricalterminal of said heating element to said cylindrical contact element. 7.The cigar lighter of claim 6, wherein said cap has a circumferentialgroove on an inner periphery thereof in alignment with thecircumferential groove in said cylindrical contact element thereby tofix said first electrical terminal of said heating element between saidgrooves.
 8. The cigar lighter of claim 7, further comprising a groundretainer concentrically disposed about said first bimetal element andelectrically insulated therefrom by an insulator, the first bimetalelement being disposed on said insulator and held to said insulator bysaid centrally disposed fastener.
 9. The cigar lighter of claim 8,further comprising a second bimetal element in electrical communicationwith said cylindrical contact element for electrically contacting eithersaid body shell or said ground retainer in the event the temperature ofsaid heating element reaches a second predefined temperature higher thansaid first temperature to avert a safety hazard.
 10. The cigar lighterof claim 9, wherein the second bimetal element extends distally ingeneral alignment with said body shell and moves radially to contactsaid body shell in the event said second predefined temperature isreached.
 11. The cigar lighter of claim 9, wherein the second bimetalelement extends proximally and moves radially outward to contact saidground retainer in the event said second predefined temperature isreached.
 12. The cigar lighter of claim 1, further comprising a secondbimetal element in electrical communication with said first electricalcontact element for electrically contacting either said body shell or apart in electrical communication with said body shell in the event thetemperature of said heating element reaches a second predefinedtemperature higher than said first temperature to avert a safety hazard.13. The cigar lighter of claim 12, wherein the second bimetal elementcomprises a bimetal planar structure arranged adjacent to and in planarelectrical contact with a cap of said first electrical contact element,the bimetal planar structure having at least one activation beam,further comprising an electrical insulating structure disposed adjacentan opposite side of said bimetal planar structure, the electricalinsulating structure having a cut-out in alignment with the activationbeam, and further comprising a ground retainer element disposed adjacentthe electrical insulating structure and electrically insulated from thebimetal planar structure, whereby if the temperature of the heatingelement reaches the second predefined temperature, the activation beamdeflects transversely to the plane of the bimetal planar structure andelectrically contacts the ground retainer to short circuit electricalpower.
 14. The cigar lighter of claim 13, wherein the bimetal planarstructure comprises a bimetal disc having radial cut-outs defining theactivation beam and the insulating structure comprises an insulatingdisc.
 15. The cigar lighter of claim 14, further comprisingasymmetrically located positioning holes in said bimetal disc forallowing said bimetal disc to be oriented in only one concentricorientation with respect to said cap.
 16. The cigar lighter of claim 15,wherein aligned asymmetrically located positioning holes are disposed insaid cap, bimetal disc, insulating disc and ground retainer, and furthercomprising locking pins that extend through said holes for locking saidelements in only one concentric orientation.
 17. The cigar lighter ofclaim 16, further comprising an electrical and thermal insulator forsaid first bimetal element, the locking pins extending from saidelectrical and thermal insulator.
 18. The cigar lighter of claim 14,wherein the bimetal disc has a low expansion side and a high expansionside and wherein the low expansion side faces the ground retainer sothat the activation beam deflects through the cut-out in the insulatingdisc to contact the ground retainer if the heating element reaches thesecond predefined temperature.
 19. The cigar lighter of claim 18,wherein the deflection of the bimetal disc is determined by a thicknessof said insulating disc.
 20. The cigar lighter of claim 12, wherein saidsecond bimetal element extends proximally and flexes radially outwardlyto contact said body shell or part in the event said second temperatureis reached.
 21. The cigar lighter of claim 7, wherein said centrallydisposed fastener is a rivet and said second electrical terminal of saidheating element is swedged into a slot in a distal head of the rivet.22. The cigar lighter of claim 1, wherein said movable electricalcontact can be held in electrical engagement with a proximally directedhead of said centrally disposed fastener by pressing said useractuatable knob distally to maintain electrical current flow to saidheating element even if said first bimetal element has released themovable electrical contact.
 23. The cigar lighter of claim 22, whereinsaid movable electrical contact is held to said user actuatable knob bya fastener element, the fastener element having a distally disposed headfor electrically engaging with the proximally directed head of saidcentrally disposed fastener to allow electrical current to flow to saidheating element.
 24. The cigar lighter of claim 23, wherein the fastenerelement holds said movable electrical contact to a metal shaft coupledfor movement by said user actuatable knob.
 25. The cigar lighter ofclaim 24, wherein said spring surrounds said shaft.
 26. The cigarlighter of claim 25, wherein said fastener element comprises a screwthreaded into said shaft.
 27. The cigar lighter of claim 24, wherein ametal body is in electrical engagement with said shaft for slidablemovement in said body shell to provide electrical communication betweenthe body shell received in electrical sliding contact with the socketsleeve and said shaft and thus to said movable electrical contact. 28.The cigar lighter of claim 1, wherein the cigar lighter is received inan electrical socket of a motor vehicle.
 29. The cigar lighter of claim1, wherein the user actuatable knob is received telescopically in anouter knob portion surrounding the user actuatable knob.
 30. The cigarlighter of claim 2, wherein the cylindrical contact element functions asa non-movable ash guard.
 31. The cigar lighter of claim 2, wherein thefirst electrical terminal of the heating element is secured electricallyand mechanically to a coil retainer that surrounds the heating element.32. The cigar lighter of claim 31, wherein the coil retainer is rolledover around its entire perimeter.
 33. The cigar lighter of claim 31,wherein the coil retainer is rolled over to secure the first electricalterminal in a region of the perimeter of the coil retainer comprisingonly a portion of the perimeter of the coil retainer.
 34. The cigarlighter of claim 31, wherein the coil retainer is a separate piece fromthe first electrical contact element in electrical communicationtherewith.
 35. The cigar lighter of claim 34, wherein the firstelectrical contact element has an increased diameter in a regionsurrounding the coil retainer.
 36. The cigar lighter of claim 31,wherein the coil retainer and the first electrical contact element areintegral.
 37. The cigar lighter of claim 31, wherein the coil retaineris held in the first electrical contact element by a plurality of snaptabs or bent tabs formed in the first electrical contact element. 38.The cigar lighter of claim 36, further comprising a cap received overthe integral coil retainer in electrical and mechanical engagementtherewith.
 39. The cigar lighter of claim 38, wherein a bead is rolledinto the cap to secure the cap to the coil retainer.
 40. The cigarlighter of claim 1, wherein the first electrical contact of theelectrical socket comprises spring loaded contacts for electricallyengaging with said first electrical contact.
 41. The cigar lighter ofclaim 40, wherein the electrical socket includes retention lancesdisposed near the spring loaded contacts in a position whereby they willnot be distorted when a male accessory electrical plug is inserted inthe socket.
 42. The cigar lighter of claim 41, further wherein theretention lances have spherical elements for engaging an enlargeddiameter region at a distal end of the body shell.
 43. A heatingassembly for a cigar lighter comprising: a cylindrical body; anelectrical heating element having a first electrical terminal inelectrical contact with the cylindrical body, the cylindrical body beingdisposed around the perimeter of the electrical heating element andadapted to make electrical contact with a first electrical contact of anelectrical socket; the electrical heating element having a secondelectrical terminal substantially centrally located with respect to thecylindrical body, the second electrical terminal in electrical contactwith a centrally disposed fastener; further wherein the heating elementis in the shape of a spiral having the first electrical terminaldisposed on the outside of said spiral, said first electrical terminalbeing received through a slot in said cylindrical body therebyelectrically engaging with said cylindrical body, the second electricalterminal being disposed at the inside of said spiral and being inelectrical engagement with said centrally disposed fastener, furthercomprising a concentric cap disposed outside said cylindrical bodysurrounding at least a part of said cylindrical body and fixing saidfirst electrical terminal of said heating element between said cap andan outer periphery of said cylindrical body.
 44. The heating assembly ofclaim 43, further comprising a circumferential groove in the outerperiphery of said cylindrical body, whereby the first electricalterminal of said heating element is received between said cap and saidcylindrical body in said groove to provide an electrical connection ofsaid first electrical terminal of said heating element to saidcylindrical body.
 45. The heating assembly of claim 44, wherein said caphas a circumferential groove on an inner periphery thereof in alignmentwith the circumferential groove in said cylindrical body thereby to fixsaid first electrical terminal of said heating element between saidgrooves.
 46. A cigar lighter adapted to be received in an electricalsocket for energizing a heating element of the cigar lighter comprising:an electrically conductive body shell adapted to make electrical andmechanical contact with a sleeve of the socket; a user actuatable knobattached to the body shell for movement against the bias of acompression spring; an electrical heating element disposed at a distalend of the body shell, the electrical heating element having a firstelectrical terminal in electrical contact with a first electricalcontact element disposed around the perimeter of the electrical heatingelement and adapted to make electrical contact with a first electricalcontact of the electrical socket, the electrical heating element beingcontrolled to reach a first predetermined temperature to allow ignitionof a cigar or cigarette; the electrical heating element having a secondelectrical terminal substantially centrally located with respect to thebody shell, the second electrical terminal in electrical contact with acentrally disposed fastener; further comprising a thermal protectionbimetal element in electrical communication with said first electricalcontact element for electrically contacting either said body shell or apart in electrical communication with said body shell in the event thetemperature of said heating element reaches a second predefinedtemperature higher than said first predetermined temperature to avert asafety hazard.
 47. The cigar lighter of claim 46, wherein the thermalprotection bimetal element comprises a bimetal planar structure arrangedadjacent to and in planar electrical contact with a cap of said firstelectrical contact element, the bimetal planar structure having at leastone activation beam, further comprising an electrical insulatingstructure disposed adjacent an opposite side of said bimetal planarstructure, the electrical insulating structure having a cut-out inalignment with the activation beam, and further comprising a groundretainer element disposed adjacent the electrical insulating structureand electrically insulated from the bimetal planar structure, whereby ifthe temperature of the heating element reaches the second predefinedtemperature, the activation beam deflects transversely to the plane ofthe bimetal planar structure and electrically contacts the groundretainer to short circuit electrical power.
 48. The cigar lighter ofclaim 47, wherein the bimetal planar structure comprises a bimetal dischaving radial cut-outs defining the activation beam and the insulatingstructure comprises an insulating disc.
 49. The cigar lighter of claim48, further comprising asymmetrically located positioning holes in saidbimetal disc for allowing said bimetal disc to be oriented in only oneconcentric orientation with respect to said cap.
 50. The cigar lighterof claim 49, wherein aligned asymmetrically located positioning holesare disposed in said cap, bimetal disc, insulating disc and groundretainer, and further comprising locking pins that extend through saidholes for locking said elements in only one concentric orientation. 51.The cigar lighter of claim 50, further comprising a control bimetalelement for controlling the temperature of said heating element and heldin position by the fastener electrically insulated from the body shelland being in electrical communication with the second terminal of theheating element, the control bimetal element including at least twoproximally extending engaging clips; further comprising an electricaland thermal insulator for said control bimetal element, the locking pinsextending from said electrical and thermal insulator.
 52. The cigarlighter of claim 48, wherein the bimetal disc has a low expansion sideand a high expansion side and wherein the low expansion side faces theground retainer element so that the activation beam deflects through thecut-out in the insulating disc to contact the ground retainer element ifthe heating element reaches the second predefined temperature.
 53. Thecigar lighter of claim 52, wherein the deflection of the bimetal disc isdetermined by a thickness of said insulating disc.
 54. The cigar lighterof claim 46, wherein the thermal protection bimetal element extendsdistally in general alignment with said body shell and moves radially tocontact said body shell in the event said second predefined temperatureis reached.
 55. The cigar lighter of claim 46, wherein the thermalprotection bimetal element extends proximally and moves radially outwardto contact said ground retainer in the event said second predefinedtemperature is reached.
 56. The cigar lighter of claim 44, wherein saidthermal protection bimetal element extends proximally and flexesradially outwardly to contact said body shell or part in the event saidsecond temperature is reached.
 57. A cigar lighter adapted to bereceived in an electrical socket for energizing a heating element of thecigar lighter comprising: an electrically conductive body shell adaptedto make electrical and mechanical contact with a sleeve of the socket; auser actuatable knob received in the body shell for telescopic movementtherein against the bias of a compression spring; an electrical heatingelement disposed at a distal end of the body shell, the electricalheating element having a first electrical terminal in electrical contactwith a first electrical contact element disposed around the perimeter ofthe electrical heating element and adapted to make electrical contactwith a first electrical contact of the electrical socket; the electricalheating element having a second electrical terminal substantiallycentrally located with respect to the body shell, the second electricalterminal in electrical contact with a centrally disposed fastener; afirst bimetal element held in position by the fastener electricallyinsulated from the body shell and being in electrical communication withthe second terminal of the heating element, the bimetal element having aproximally extending engaging element; a movable electrical contactarranged for movement with the user actuatable knob, the movableelectrical contact being in electrical communication with the bodyshell, the movable electrical contact having first and second positionswhereby, in a first position, when the knob extends proximally, themovable electrical contact is not in electrical engagement with thebimetal engaging element so that the heating element is not energizedand wherein, in a second position, when the knob is moved distally, themovable electrical contact engages with and is held in position by saidbimetal engaging element to energize the heating element with electricalpower until a first predetermined temperature is reached at which saidbimetal engaging element flexes to release said movable electricalcontact from said bimetal engaging element to de-energize said heatingelement and allowing said knob to move proximally due to the bias ofsaid spring, further wherein said movable electrical contact can be heldin electrical engagement with a proximally directed head of saidcentrally disposed fastener by pressing said user actuatable knobdistally to maintain electrical current flow to said heating elementeven if said first bimetal element has released the movable electricalcontact.
 58. The cigar lighter of claim 57, wherein said movableelectrical contact is held to said user actuatable knob by a fastenerelement, the fastener element having a distally disposed head forelectrically engaging with the proximally directed head of saidcentrally disposed fastener to allow electrical current to flow to saidheating element.
 59. The cigar lighter of claim 58, wherein the fastenerelement holds said movable electrical contact to a metal shaft coupledfor movement by said user actuatable knob.
 60. The cigar lighter ofclaim 59, wherein said spring surrounds said shaft.
 61. The cigarlighter of claim 60, wherein said fastener element comprises a screwthreaded into said shaft.
 62. The cigar lighter of claim 59, wherein ametal body is in electrical engagement with said shaft for slidablemovement in said body shell to provide electrical communication betweenthe body shell received in electrical sliding contact with the socketsleeve and said shaft and thus to said movable electrical contact.
 63. Acigar lighter adapted to be received in an electrical socket forenergizing a heating element of the cigar lighter comprising: anelectrically conductive body shell adapted to make electrical andmechanical contact with a sleeve of the socket; a user actuatable knobattached to the body shell for movement against the bias of acompression spring; an electrical heating element disposed at a distalend of the body shell, the electrical heating element having a firstelectrical terminal in electrical contact with a first electricalcontact element disposed around the perimeter of the electrical heatingelement and adapted to make electrical contact with a first electricalcontact of the electrical socket; the electrical heating element havinga second electrical terminal substantially centrally located withrespect to the body shell, the second electrical terminal in electricalcontact with a centrally disposed fastener; further wherein the firstelectrical contact element comprises a cylindrical contact elementsurrounding the electrical heating element; further wherein the heatingelement is in the shape of a spiral having the first electrical terminaldisposed on the outside of said spiral, further wherein the firstelectrical terminal of the heating element is secured electrically andmechanically to a coil retainer that surrounds the heating element;wherein the coil retainer is rolled over to secure the first electricalterminal in a region of the perimeter of the coil retainer comprisingonly a portion of the perimeter of the coil retainer.
 64. The cigarlighter of claim 63, wherein the coil retainer is a separate piece fromthe first electrical contact element in electrical communicationtherewith.
 65. The cigar lighter of claim 64, wherein the firstelectrical contact element has an increased diameter in a regionsurrounding the coil retainer.
 66. The cigar lighter of claim 63,wherein the coil retainer and the first electrical contact element areintegral.
 67. The cigar lighter of claim 63, wherein the coil retaineris held in the first electrical contact element by a plurality of snaptabs or bent tabs formed in the first electrical contact element. 68.The cigar lighter of claim 66, further comprising a cap received overthe integral coil retainer in electrical and mechanical engagementtherewith.
 69. The cigar lighter of claim 68, wherein a bead is rolledinto the cap to secure the cap to the coil retainer.